Here are a few pointers:

 - Don’t go hungry (you or the kids).  Hungry = frustration from the gitgo

 - Don’t go tired

 - Go somewhere where the background noise is as loud as your children

 - Be prepared to either find a good time out place at the restaurant or be willing to leave (at least one parent)

 - Bring something to entertain to kids with

 - Don’t stay too long -- know their time limits.  Kids are ticking time bombs

 - Go somewhere where you are pretty sure the buss people are used to cleaning a full meal off the floor

 - Be sure to tip generously